Island in Satun, Thailand
Koh Lipe
Tiny, clear-water island near the Malaysian border, with lively Walking Street, good snorkelling and no cars. Best for a few beach days; remote, seasonal ferries and limited medical help.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,340–2,030Comfortable, one person · ฿45,000–68,000Details
- Value for money55/100Better value than 54% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goNov–MarWarmest: Apr, 30°CDetails
- Internet299 MbpsFixed broadband, Thailand medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledIsland water is brackish and not drinkable; use bottled water, and carry a refillable bottle if refill stations are available.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$24–60Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundSpeedboat from Pak BaraVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashCash for most food, boat fares and guesthouses; cards in a few resorts and dive shops.Details
Where to stay in Koh Lipe
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Pattaya Beach | Busiest beach, best choice of hotels and restaurants |
| Sunrise Beach | Quieter, mid-range stays and easy sunrise views |
| Sunset Beach | Calm sunsets, resorts and slower evenings |
| Walking Street | Cheap eats, shops and bars linking the beaches |
Apps that work in Koh Lipe
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: LINE
- 12Go: Buses, trains and ferries between towns
- IQAir AirVisual: Checking smoke levels in burning season
- Taxis: No cars or ride apps. Walk or hire a longtail; resorts handle luggage trolleys and boat pickups.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Thailand.
- Mostly cash Cash for most food, boat fares and guesthouses; cards in a few resorts and dive shops. Bring baht from the mainland, as ATMs run out.
- Currency: Baht (THB). US$1 ≈ ฿33.56 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Thai ATMs charge foreign cards about 220 THB per withdrawal; limits usually 20,000–30,000 THB, so withdraw larger amounts.
- Tipping: Not expected; round up or leave 20–100 THB for good service. Upmarket restaurants add 10% service charge plus 7% VAT.
- Paying by phone: Apple and Google Pay work at contactless terminals; Thai QR (PromptPay) works with some linked Asian bank apps.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Fill in the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online within 72 hours before arrival; paid look-alike sites are scams.
- Officers may ask for an onward ticket, accommodation details and proof of funds (20,000 THB per person); rarely checked, but enforced at times.
- In May 2026 the cabinet approved shortening visa-free stays; check the current permitted length before booking a long trip.
Emergency numbers
Police 191 · Ambulance 1669 · Fire 199 · Tourist police 1155
Plugs
Type A, B, C, O · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
AIS, True and dtac airport counters sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs, roughly 300–600 THB for 8–15 days; passport required. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Thailand
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.